Summer Days

by Alex The Lone Wolf

Day 18 - Harmonious Tree

Remember something I skipped over a while back? About the other reason I had wanted to spend time with you training for that competition back in Fillydelphia? You see…there was something I kind of…kept from you. I mean, not that it matters now, right?

There were these group of girls…the same group of girls that caused my fear of drowning to exist in the first place. At first, I didn't know anything about them. Even to this day, I still hardly know much. However, something about them was so much more frightening than anything else at that time. I didn't know why, but these girls, the girls that called themselves the "Dazzlings", stalked me throughout my days in Fillydelphia.

It wasn't an everyday thing that I'd see them, just at random points in my life back then. If I could describe them in one word, I'd say that they were witches. They'd always come out of nowhere when I was alone, and I remember the things they'd say when they came for me.

Ironically, they seemed to act like your everyday bully, but I remember them coming for my "magic". Of course, I didn't understand what magic they could have possibly been talking about back then, and that's why they took advantage of me. It was another reason why I didn't tell you either. There was something about those girls that was dangerous, and I didn't want you to do something that'd end up getting you hurt. Besides the water incident, they'd never really hurt me. They'd come for the kind of magic or power I had within little helpless me and leave me be afterwards. I never thought much of it, but looking over it now, I believe that maybe it was one of the reasons I never got to witness that power for myself until their meeting was long overdue.

If I could give you an analogy to clear things up, I think it would go something like this. If you have a leak somewhere in a room you hardly go in, and you put a bucket to collect the water from that leak, it'd pretty much be like that leak never existed if you had someone other than yourself dump the leaked water from the bucket every now and then, right? That's how it was with me, and I can only assume that I never realized what kind of magic had been living inside earlier because of the Dazzilings and their thirst for said magic.

I really wanted to kick them out of my life for good, but it wasn't worth making things worse until I knew I was strong enough. For Celestia's sake, I always froze up whenever they popped up anywhere around me, and it didn't help that they always appeared when I least expected it. However, they didn't look like the sirens from the books. They looked like your average ponies with the difference being the necklaces they wore around their necks.

You might be a little confused right now. Twilight said that Star Swirl the Bearded was the one who banished them to another world, right? Well, there's two things about that. One, Twilight mentioned it about being a rumor, and it could simply just be that, a rumor. But, two, if it isn't a rumor, then maybe the sirens from the books weren't the same beings as the ones who followed me around for my magic.

If you want my thoughts on it, all I can say is that the Dazzlings didn't really act like "all powerful sirens". It was more like…they were lost girls that were only doing what they had to do to survive. Unfortunately, I'm sure things could have turned out way better than they actually did. They blame me for trapping them in that other world, and if you want to know why…well…listen up.

---

During the morning, something had stirred me awake. For some reason, I felt like somepony had been watching me from the outside. I looked out our window and even around our room, but I ultimately decided it was either nothing or just something from my dreams. The more I remained awake, the more I believed it was just that.

You were still asleep, and I decided it would be a neat idea to swing by Sugarcube Corner and grab something for us for breakfast. I know sweets aren't exactly "breakfast material", but muffins were, right? Anyway, after I grabbed my schoolbag and tiptoed out of our room, I began walking along the main road while trying to remember the exact way to the bakery.

Around the middle of the way, I noticed something unbelievable. For a second, I had seen a glimpse of someone from back home. She had been walking away from me, so I only got see most of her tail, but I could recognize that faded blueberry creamy colored tail anywhere. If I wasn't mistaken, I knew it was Coco Pommel.

I bet you're thinking the same thing I had been thinking at that time. What in the world was Coco Pommel doing in Ponyville? Did she come looking for you? Did her parents move here too? Whatever the case was, I'm sure you'd understand that I had to go see her, right? Well, that's what I did.

I began to follow her and even call out her name, but for some reason, she couldn't hear me. I'd try speeding up, but she was too fast. She'd turn into all these kinds of corners and it took me some time to get back on her trail. It wasn't until I caught her wandering into some kind of forest.

It was none other than the Everfree Forest, and I found that out myself as soon as I caught a look at the warning sign next to the entrance. The wooden sign looked a little weathered out, but I could read something along the lines of "Warning! Enter at your own risk! Dangerous creatures lurk inside!"

Normally, I wasn't that stupid to wander in after reading something like that, but if that was the case, then I had to get Coco Pommel out of there before she got too far inside. I was pretty scared, but I couldn't bear the thought of Coco being in there and finding herself into a lot of trouble. I didn't have the luxury of thinking things through, so I went in without almost any hesitation.

I supposed the best thing about walking through this forest at the time was that it wasn't night. I was at least thankful that I could see where I was going, and that there was somewhat a clear path through. Nevertheless, I kept hoping that I'd run into Coco soon enough, so the two of us could get out of there as soon as possible. I still couldn't figure out why she'd go in such a scary place.

Just several steps in, I had a bright precautionary idea. I checked the schoolbag I had been intending to use to carry our breakfast back home and managed to find my sketchbook nestled in there. I decided to keep notes and track my way in, so I wouldn't get lost and forget where the exit/entrance was. In other words, I made a map as I walked through. I couldn't keep updating the map as I walked since I didn't have any magic to carry the sketchbook and pencil freely, so I had to stop whenever there was any kind of change in the path I walked and take down my progress there.

I spent quite a while making sure not to stray off the main path and managed to see something in the distance that wasn't crooked with swampy or dead trees. As I grew closer, I noticed that it appeared to be some kind of grand old castle. Of course, it didn't look like anyone still used it…

I had been staring at this castle as I walked for so long that I almost found myself falling over into some kind of super deep crater in the ground. When I was finally able to regain both my composure and balance after witnessing this grand height, I surprisingly found a set of stairs that so happened to be leading towards the bottom of the canyon.

I eyed both this area and the castle. I hadn't found Coco yet, but she possibly could have headed towards one of those two areas. I inched towards checking the castle first, but then I found myself walking towards the hole outside. I figured it'd be best to check the crater before the castle, seeing as it was somewhat open and outside. After all, I'd rather have this place covered before it possibly gets any darker.

As carefully and cautiously as I could, I made my way down the steps. By the time I had reached the bottom, I felt my legs constantly shaking as if they wanted to give out. It wasn't because of all the energy I had to exert to get here, but it was from the fear that had been slowly growing inside me. I had been so close to booking it and trying to come up with another way to find Coco, but I continued to force myself for the sake of her safety.

Even though I wasn't exactly sure it was a good idea, I decided to call out for her. There was no answer, but in the process, I managed to find somewhat of a cave structure within this massive hole I was in. If my eyes weren't mistaken, something appeared to be glowing from the cave. I actually felt some kind of relief when I saw this, because, whatever the case was, I wouldn't have to look for Coco in a super dark and scary cave.

Unwilling to waste any time, I lightly trotted over to this area and couldn't help but gasp as soon as my eyes caught sight of it. Out of everything I had seen in the forest, what had laid in this cave was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen. Even though there was no water, I immediately pictured some kind of lake or pond that was lined up with lotus blossoms in my mind. I believed a few large gems were lined up across the walls of the cave, but the most significant-looking thing inside was this crystalized tree.

In fact, it hardly looked like your natural tree, but, for me, it reminded me of a Hearth's Warming tree. You should already know the tree I'm talking about. The tree we know as the Tree of Harmony. Of course, I had to take a closer look. Something about it made me feel…safe… It made me even feel…at home.

Weird, right? Being in this super creepy forest?

When I was close enough, I raised my hoof and laid it on this tree. Its bark was obviously crystal, but it wasn't exactly cold to the touch. There was some kind of warm radiance coming from it, and I didn't understand how. Was this tree magic?

"It's you."

I lurched backwards when I heard a sudden yet soft voice.

"One of my stripped seeds…but…may I ask where the other is?"

I quickly looked around for the one who was responsible for speaking, but as I did, I found no one. Not a single pony in sight.

"Do not be afraid. No harm will come to you."

This voice sounded…empty, almost like you couldn't put a face behind it. However, for some reason, I could picture the voice belonging to a mare. I had no choice but to look back towards the tree.

"Are you…speaking to me…?" I asked.

"Indeed." I heard back.

I felt myself immediately gulp anxiously. I couldn't believe that this had been actually happening.

"Who…What are you…?"

"I protect this land, but I am afraid it won't last long unless the Elements of Harmony return to me."

"…Elements of Harmony?"

Those words immediately clicked somewhere in my mind. I had heard about them before, but I couldn't remember exactly how at the time.

"If you'd ever be so kind to retrieve and return them soon, I'd be eternally grateful."

"Sorry…" I apologized. "…but I have no idea what you're talking about. Even if I did, I don't know where these things you're asking for even are."

Then, there was what sounded like a mature chuckle.

"You two are connected."

"Two?" I had to wonder about that for a moment, and the first thing that came to mind was us two. "You mean, Alex? My brother?"

"If that is his name, yes. You two play an important role with these Elements."

"No way… This has to be a dream…" I believed at first.

"The two of you carry a length of extraordinary ability with you." The voice continued to speak. "Sprouts of mine, find, learn, and use it to protect yourself and others. If need be, use it to help find the Elements and bring them to me."

"Abilities?" I immediately questioned. "What are you…?" Then, a particular event came to mind. The time when our dad tried to hurt me, and everything froze in place as if I stopped time. "If you know so much about me…then…can you explain why time seemed to freeze when I was scared? How is that even possible? Can I actually control time?"

There was a great moment of silence. It lasted so long that I was just about to reiterate my question until this voice suddenly spoke once again. "Can you?"

Hearing this answer after a matter of waiting, I felt a little peeved. I was being super serious because I was scared of what I had done. "Just tell me the truth if you know so much about me." I yearned. "I want to know why I'm so different. I want to know what's so wrong about me!"

"There is nothing wrong about or with you." I heard. "You simply do what your heart desires, both of you. However, if you wish to extraordinarily exceed your limits and potential, you two must remain by each other's side, for it is the bond you two share that will shine the light down the darkest and deepest places."

I didn't know what to think. I knew I definitely couldn't just brush this off as nothing. In fact, I was more willing to believe practically everything I heard because of all the abnormal things I personally have been able to experience, such as time freezing and being able to see colors that resembled how other ponies truly felt.

I had already begun to bust out my sketchbook and pencil to draw this tree out in its entirety, but after noticing the cover of my sketchbook, I realized I had forgotten something. As much as I wanted to draw this tree and run home to you to show you what I had come across, I still needed to find somepony I had been searching for.

"I'll be back!" I promised the tree and began to race back up the stairs out of the cavern.

I had been growing utterly terrified before, but for some reason, I felt reinvigorated. I definitely felt it had something to do with the tree. Either way, I couldn't waste this newfound burst of energy or inspiration. I had to find Coco, take a quick sketch of the tree if I had time, and leave this forest back to Ponyville.

The last place I could check was the abandoned castle from earlier. As soon as I was able to get the creaky front doors open, I was immediately welcomed by an army of cobwebs. Like presumably every girl, I was absolutely not a fan of things like that. Nevertheless, I stepped inside the castle and felt a little more comfortable shouting for Coco's name.

The castle looked like another maze in a maze itself, so I needed to keep notes of it in my sketchbook as well. I explored what I could as quickly as I could. I definitely didn't want to stick around too long. I'd poke my head in various rooms, only giving a few shouts out for Coco before leaving them. A lot of the rooms were dark, seeing as they didn't have any windows to the outside and needed a lantern or candle to see through.

Eventually, I found myself with what obviously looked like the library. More like the library of spiders and webs. I continued to call for Coco with my only answer being the echo of my voice. When I found my way up to the second floor, I found a particular table that caught my interest. First and foremost, there was a chair that had been tilted backwards as if it was about to fall. However, it's action had been frozen. I grew a little worried that I had frozen time again, but seeing as that was the only frozen thing, I figured I was good for now.

I grew closer to this particular chair, so I could take a closer look at it. I looked at its legs and noticed something solid and shiny keeping this chair on the ground. It kind of looked like a mechanism or something. Although, as I glanced around my surroundings, I soon lost interest in the chair and found myself more intrigued with something that was beside me.

There was some kind of secret passageway, by the looks of it. The bookshelves positioned nearby seemed to have been moved, and it was pretty obvious they weren't supposed to be there since they blocked access to the nearby bookshelves. Unlike the other rooms, there appeared to be some kind of light inside.

"Coco…?" I called once more as I poked my head in.

The room itself was fairly small. From what I could see, it looked as if it was some kind a secret hideout. After all, there was a bookshelf with more than enough books for reading and a comfortable-looking couch on the opposite side. Above all, there was a podium in the middle and a book smack dab on top of it.

As I approached it, I was able to read out the title of this book.

"The Journal of the Two Sisters…?"

I didn't think much of it, and I actually assumed it was just some kind of fairy tale.

I turned my eyes towards what appeared to be two glass stained windows. One appeared to represent the sun and the day, and the other represented the moon and night. At this point, I couldn't help but immediately remember back on what you said. About us being as different as day and night.

I found a mirror between these two windows, and I began to stare at my reflection. Ironically, as I did, I began to reflect on everything that had happened that day. About what the tree had told me and even if everything I had been going through was just a dream.

Although, I was immediately startled when I found a group of ponies joining me in the mirror. I instantly recognized them as I saw their reflections, but, of course, I had to turn around to make sure. I wasn't just seeing things. They were really there, and they were here to come take what I owed them.

"Oh, poo… We almost thought we wouldn't find you."

It was Adagio, the one with the orange fluffy hair.

"I bet she thought she could get rid of us for good, huh?"

Then, it was Aria, the one with neon green stripes in her purple mane.

"Gosh, she's really good at hide and seek!"

Finally, there was Sonata, the "silly" one with the ponytail.

"You weren't trying to get rid of us, were you...?" Adagio approached me and prepared to lean her face in. "That'd be a big no-no."

I couldn't really answer. Instead, I was secretly thinking of ways to do just what they had been objecting to. If I really had this "extraordinary" power, then was there something I could do to finally get them out of my life?

"Ughh." Aria groaned. "Hurry up. I'm starving."

With an agreeing nod from Sonata, Adagio looked back and gestured them to calm down with her hoof. "Settle down, settle down. You don't like your meals raw, do you?"

"Don't like them burnt either." Aria refused.

Adagio turned back to me with a seemingly apathetic look. "Listen, it's been a long day for us, so let's just cut to the chase, shall we? Like always, this'll only hurt a bit."

Before, I might have cowered out and let them have their way, but this time, I wasn't allowing it. As soon as they closed their eyes and prepared their necklaces to suck out the magic in me, I pushed Adagio away and gave it to her straight.

"No."

"Excuse me?" Adagio began to form a scolding look in her face, as if she had been my parent and I had disobeyed an order.

"I didn't understand it at first…" I began to explain. "Why you'd pick on me and take this 'magic' that I figured I never had. I guess it didn't help that you never left any for me to explore on my own, but not this time. This magic I have within me. If it can help protect others, especially my brother, then I'm not giving it up. Not anymore."

Aria looked towards Sonata with an extremely annoyed expression, and Sonata only looked clueless as ever. Adagio, on the other hoof, looked like she was trying to keep it together as best as she could. "Heh heh. Since when do you become such a little comedian? I'd laugh harder, but as you can see, we're starving over here, and you're the only pony who's willing to give us such a scrumptious order of magic, you know? You should be honored. You're one of the rare ones. You're like a five-star restaurant compared to all of the other fast food out there. And you should be oh so understanding that fast food grows old really quickly."

"Get your meals elsewhere. This five-star restaurant is closed." I boldly stated, and I had to admit, I felt a little cool for saying it the way I did.

Adagio had been trying to so hard to keep her "sweet" face, but it had been already breaking apart like a broken mirror. "Oh no…! You're not the one who gets decide. If you're not going to give us your magic nicely, then we'll just take it!"

I suddenly began feeling as if daggers began to penetrate my chest, and it caused much more pain compared to when I would willingly just give them whatever they wanted so they would leave. I didn't know what was going to happen, or how I was going to get out of this mess. All I knew is that I needed to fight back somehow.

"No!" I screamed out.

I could see a glow form from behind me, and this ended up having Adagio look past me in surprise. As soon as she had lost focus on me, I grabbed her by the neck with my hooves and threw her behind me. However, I didn't expect what happened next. I thought she would break the mirror that had stood at the back, but she literally went through it instead, as if it had been some kind of portal.

"Adagio!?" Aria and Sonata called out in surprise.

Feeling the angriest I've ever been, I was planning on finishing what I had started.

Fortunately, they remained stunned by what they had just saw, so I had enough time to dash over to the mirror and push it over to them. It took them some time to realize that they needed to get out of its way, but it was too late. Right before they could move, they had already been sucked in. All that was left was the mirror lying flat on the ground.

I didn't realize how hard I had been breathing. My heart was pumping extremely fast. I think all the adrenaline I had felt started to wind down. When I was able to calm myself, I turned towards the mirror and slowly picked it back up.

I was surprised to see that it hadn't broken or shatter at all. I thought to myself for a bit and soon found myself on the brink of freaking out. Those three girls that had been hunting me my entire life… They were gone just like that!

I cautiously poked and tapped the mirror, but it reacted just like an ordinary mirror. It didn't bother taking my hoof. Was this a mirror that magically trapped any kind of evil? Or did it have something to do with me? Either way, if everything that happened today wasn't enough, the fact these girls disappearing just like that was too much. I was ready to call this entire day just a dream, but I still couldn't wake myself up.

"Athena!" I heard a familiar voice at the doorway.

I turned and immediately spotted a pony I had been glad to see. "Coco!" I raced over to her and proceeded to give her a tight hug. She oddly brushed my mane as she returned the embrace, but I didn't question it at the time. "I'm so happy to see you!"

"Me too, Athena." Coco returned a bit protectively. "I was scared something might happen to you."

"…happen to me?" I questioned as I slightly pulled back to look at her face.

"Of course." She answered. "Those girls that were bothering you. I was afraid I'd have to take care of them myself."

"'Take care of them'…?" I returned in confusion. "What do you mean? What's gotten into you?"

At that moment, she began laughing, and that laughter soon turned into a twisted cackle. Her body began to morph and change. She grew horridly taller and holes began to form on her legs. All I could do was stare in shock, feeling practically every part of my body become paralyzed.

I had been caught in her web…and I didn't even know it…

---

I was surprised that Athena hadn't been the one to wake me up like she usually did. It had already been afternoon, and I couldn't find her in our room.

"Athena?" I called out.

For some reason, I felt myself wanting to panic.

However, just as I was about to go out and search for her, the door to our room opened.

"Were you calling me?"

I quickly turned towards the doorway and found her standing there as she looked at me with her head slightly tilted.

I immediately exhaled a sigh of relief and shook my head. "You didn't wake me up today, and you weren't here when I finally woke up, so…I don't know…I got worried a bit."

She laughed a little differently, which I found rather strange. "Don't worry, brother. I just wanted to let you sleep. You've been through so much, I thought it'd be best to let you sleep in."

"Uh-huh… You feeling okay?" I asked, noticing her odd behavior.

"I'm perfectly fine!" She grinned brightly, but something about that grin didn't fit in naturally. "I love you so much, brother!"